Thai diplomacy faces mammoth challenges

[webfact]

EDITORIAL
Thai diplomacy faces mammoth challenges
The Nation

Not everything, however, is up to the Kingdom

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's political strife has greatly affected the country's diplomacy, and the situation is not expected to ease any time soon. In addition to the United States, which has been very critical of the military rulers, much to the resentment of those supporting a "long" reform process - who constitute quite a big number in Thailand, countries like France, Australia or those closer to home like Singapore, Cambodia and Laos have more or less been drawn to the Thai conflict.

Complications vary as each country represents a different level, or even levels, of sensitivity. The problems with the United States, for example, seem to concern "principles" primarily, at least on the surface. Many Thais are suspecting that Washington, in supporting one side of the conflict, has a hidden agenda, possibly involving business interests. Even those not as suspicious are accusing American foreign officials of being hypocritical busy-bodies. The two countries' relations are at an all-time low and are unlikely to be normalised quickly no matter how things transpire in Thailand.

Washington, Thailand's long-time ally, has been facing much scrutiny, because, like it or not, its policy, threats and personal attitudes of key diplomatic players fly in the face of not just normal political institutions like Thai courts, the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the Democrat Party. Thailand's political strife has undeniably affected the highest institution, the monarchy, as well.

It's, therefore, unwise for the Americans to be blatantly taking sides. But Thai policy-makers of today and the future are in an unenviable position as well. By showing obvious partiality, the United States is making it hard for a big number of Thais to back them, when it comes to laying down foreign policies, in the long run.

In some other cases, "principles" are being clouded by legal matters. Thailand, it has been reported, has asked the French ambassador to look into the whereabouts of suspects sought under arrest warrants. Among them, reportedly, is a former leader of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship, one academic and an activist. The three are reported to have received political asylum from the French government. Two of them have allegedly been carrying out activities against the Thai leadership.

Australia downgraded ties with Thailand in the wake of the military coup that toppled the Yingluck government. Military relations between the two countries dating back some 7 decades were hampered by a Thai political conflict that even locals who are neutral cannot pinpoint who is to blame.

Then there is the European Union, which has always put pressure on the "undemocratic" Thai leadership, and neighbouring countries, which have allegedly provided secret sanctuaries for those belonging to one camp of the Thai divide.

Thailand's relations with the said countries, therefore, face an unfavourable situation where negativity, prejudices and mistrust feed on one another and these problems could get a lot worse before we see improvement. In other words, as long as the military government remains in power or if the next government is dominated by Thais who resent the "foreign pressure", Thailand and its "friends" could drift further and further apart.

Not everything is up to Thailand, though. While the country bears the burden of sorting out its mess and trying to understand the "concern" of foreign nations at the same time, understanding needs to work both ways. A lot of Thais think that foreign understanding is in short supply, let alone neutrality. The situation is amplifying mistrust in a 360-degree manner. And when mistrust prevails, more often than not it hurts diplomacy.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Thai-diplomacy-faces-mammoth-challenges-30265267.html


-- The Nation 2015-07-27

[ChrisY1]

I doubt the current junta has much understanding of diplomacy....even less how it can be so beneficial towards Thailand.

Military leaders throughout modern history have never really understood the art of good diplomatic relations with other countries.....they're only accustomed to giving orders and have their subordinates obey!

It's very evident here, IMO, that western countries are going to begin to shun Thailand......modern democracies do not want to deal with any form of military ruled countries.

It's risky, the governments can become unstable, (not that Thailand has had stable government for decades) and eventually the military rulers lean toward countries that seem to accept them......further distancing themselves from the international community.

[15Peter20]

Thais are famous for excelling at many forms of handicraft but I don't think making silk purses out of sows ears is among them.

But we know they'll try Chok dee!

[tx22cb]

There's an easy solution, but the Junta apparatus doesn't want to let the People decide yet.

[bamnutsak]

It's, therefore, unwise for the Americans to be blatantly taking sides. But Thai policy-makers of today and the future are in an unenviable position as well. By showing obvious partiality, the United States is making it hard for a big number of Thais to back them, when it comes to laying down foreign policies, in the long run.

Just ignore the busybodies, not sure why Thais continually harp on this subject, and press on the your own brand of "diplomacy", roadmap(s), returning happiness to the people and returning things to "normal".

[deckape]

Thailand's long-time ally, has been facing much scrutiny, because, like it or not, its policy, threats and personal attitudes of key diplomatic players fly in the face of not just normal political institutions like Thai courts,

In what way? How? Usually when an inflammatory statement like that is made it is either followed with something. You know, like examples of the people or ideas that are being discussed. More stupid background noise.

[masquerade]

I think Thailand has a good case to boast they have diplomacy, only they call it Thainess.

[toenail]

A well written observation and editorial by Nation Newspaper (author unknown). My opinion [Westerner who has worked/lived in Thailand ten years] is that the so called democracy the country had was corrupt and needed a repair job; yet, the goverment being under the control of a military general who is use to giving orders and getting his way, is not perfect either... and corruption is not going to be wiped out of this country until people change. This needs to be with the youth, educating them about their civic duty when living in a democracy. Thailand needs to reform the way education is done in the regular Thai classrooms and get the students to be independent thinkers, to know how to collaborate instead of sitting at desks and always relying on orders and memorization. People ages 20-99 years old are not going to change. It is the youth that can make a change. And what about the moral values that are taught in Buddhism? Are there any teachings about honesty? My impression is that Buddhism influences the locals to make good merit (donations to the temples/ monks and prayers to their ancestors) so when they pass away, the go on to a better life. True, Thais do to the temples to pray, but what teachings to they learn about good values? If they do, why would the majority keep voting in a corrupt government or accept bribes? Getting back to the main message of the editorial: It is sad that there is this widening of understanding between the Western democracies and Thailand. Now Thailand government takes prid in being one of China s best buddies. China: a communistic government; full of dishonesty; and controlled democracy.

[oneday]

Many countries, including America are generally after one thing...security, which can take many forms. However, one of the easiest ways for America to ensure its security is to promote Democracy and there is an extremely simple reason why. Many people I think would agree MOST people in the world are inherently good. So when you have a Democratic government represented by the majority of the people, then you have a government that is fairly stable and far less likely to start a war. So is it any wonder that America would like to see Thailand go back to being a Democratic government?

"...Many Thais are suspecting that Washington, in supporting one side of the conflict, has a hidden agenda, possibly involving business interests..."

Not only is this statement total complete hogwash, it proves there are many people in this country who do not understand and never will understand Democracy. There is ONLY one side, the side of Democracy. "Hidden agenda" are just empty words said by people who want to sow decent and confusion when they have nothing real to say. And there are not enough business interests in Thailand for America to be concerned about. America does have a very open agenda, they want to see Democracy return to Thailand.

[thaiguzzi]

Note Cameron is on a SE Asia tour leading a UK business and security mission, visiting pretty much all the main players, bar, er, you guessed it, Thailand.

[Srikcir]

"The two countries' relations are at an all-time low and are unlikely to be normalised quickly no matter how things transpire in Thailand."

That has been entirely the Junta's decision. Prayut has made it very public that he was never surprised at the USA's reaction to his coup and lack of any evidence to returning the nation to democratic governance any time soon. Prayut has made one diplomatic blunder after another with the EU and asian-pacific nations. Prayut has further alienated Thailand from Western-style democracies and constitutional monarchies with his failed human rights policies and suppression of freedom of expression.

No, the mammoth challenge for the Junta is leave office while its supporters are still believe in its success before it becomes an embarrassment even to them.

[bamnutsak]

This editorial is an absolute piece of trash; if any of the dozen or so "claims, suggestions, innuendos" in it were written about Thailand, the publication would be shut down immediately, and the editors/publisher jailed for sedition, lese majeste, defamation - after a speedy military trial of course.

That said, why do Thais even care what the U.S., EU, UK, Australia, France, Singapore thinks about the current "government"? Quit whining about foreign powers not understanding the situation, and get on with returning happiness to the people.

[Jimlove]

PM is gonna say it soon on his Friday evening "Talk-show" (no guests tho) : Its the fault of US and Europe - not thai fault ...

[Briggsy]

Thailand has been given one of the longest free passes on human rights abuses (decades) due to the fact that it was a strong ally of the West in the region.

However the situation has evolved. Thailand has positioned itself a little closer to China as the previous military struggle in the 70's has evolved into a struggle using economic power and other soft power tools. Thailand has industrialised its human rights abuses and exported them in large-scale slavery operations involving Burmese, Bangladeshi and Rohingya refugees backed by the power of state apparatus.

So to summarise, Thailand is now less needed by the West and there is more to criticise. So it is unsurprising the criticism is much louder.

Also as another poster correctly pointed out, the article failed to specify examples, give reasons or even suggest what the hidden agenda might be.

[candide]

Completely biased paper. Foreign countries or international institutions did not "take side" in the Thai political divide. They took side on democracy. For example, they would have been quite happy with an elected DEM government.

[Prbkk]

They would do well to look at today's New York times and its feature story on fishing slavery . No use blaming Yingluck and any others , or the critics themselves.

I have never seen such a savage indictment published in NYT.

[Baerboxer]

They would do well to look at today's New York times and its feature story on fishing slavery . No use blaming Yingluck and any others , or the critics themselves.

I have never seen such a savage indictment published in NYT.

How long has slavery and illegal fishing practices been going on. You can certainly blame previous governments which for most of this century have been controlled by Thaksin and the Shin clan. They did diddly squat about it despite Yinglucks silly claims on Facebook.

This government have tried to do something, and stalled. Now they need to grasp the nettle or admit defeat. The world is watching. Will they be all talk and bluster like previous Thai governments? We shall see.

Fishing, Koh Tao fiasco, Karromwit and his or maybe now not his gun on a plane case, etc etc etc . How will they deal with these issues which the International Press are interested in and the thousands that they aren't? That will define them as being same as usual or not.

[englishoak]

This editorial is an absolute piece of trash; if any of the dozen or so "claims, suggestions, innuendos" in it were written about Thailand, the publication would be shut down immediately, and the editors/publisher jailed for sedition, lese majeste, defamation - after a speedy military trial of course.

That said, why do Thais even care what the U.S., EU, UK, Australia, France, Singapore thinks about the current "government"? Quit whining about foreign powers not understanding the situation, and get on with returning happiness to the people.

​Because it wants the money those countries provide and the income.

Just wants to keep using its slaves, ban elections, generally do as the elite pleases and have thier cake and eat it.....

Worlds fed up with these pathetic countries and is moving on with or without them.

[lostoday]

This editorial is an absolute piece of trash; if any of the dozen or so "claims, suggestions, innuendos" in it were written about Thailand, the publication would be shut down immediately, and the editors/publisher jailed for sedition, lese majeste, defamation - after a speedy military trial of course.

That said, why do Thais even care what the U.S., EU, UK, Australia, France, Singapore thinks about the current "government"? Quit whining about foreign powers not understanding the situation, and get on with returning happiness to the people.

Of course they were written about Thailand. Thais care about the other countries because they have an export economy worth about 60% of the GDP and without that and of course my spending, the country would starve.

[rubl]

"The two countries' relations are at an all-time low and are unlikely to be normalised quickly no matter how things transpire in Thailand."

That has been entirely the Junta's decision. Prayut has made it very public that he was never surprised at the USA's reaction to his coup and lack of any evidence to returning the nation to democratic governance any time soon. Prayut has made one diplomatic blunder after another with the EU and asian-pacific nations. Prayut has further alienated Thailand from Western-style democracies and constitutional monarchies with his failed human rights policies and suppression of freedom of expression.

No, the mammoth challenge for the Junta is leave office while its supporters are still believe in its success before it becomes an embarrassment even to them.

Absolutely. Prayut should do what the USA wants, and of course what the Chinese want and the E.C., and Iran, Congo, etc., etc.

Oh by the way, the mammoth challenge? Teaching Thai that 'the future' means more than the coming two weeks.

[lostoday]

Absolutely. Prayut should do what the USA wants, and of course what the Chinese want and the E.C., and Iran, Congo, etc., etc.

Oh by the way, the mammoth challenge? Teaching Thai that 'the future' means more than the coming two weeks.

Maybe do what Thai people want? Novel idea eh?

[rubl]

Absolutely. Prayut should do what the USA wants, and of course what the Chinese want and the E.C., and Iran, Congo, etc., etc.

Oh by the way, the mammoth challenge? Teaching Thai that 'the future' means more than the coming two weeks.

Maybe do what Thai people want? Novel idea eh?

You may have missed that, but PM Prayut does what Thai people want. That's why others blame him for the frosty relations with Western countries.

[Down the rabbit hole]

It's, therefore, unwise for the Americans to be blatantly taking sides. But Thai policy-makers of today and the future are in an unenviable position as well. By showing obvious partiality, the United States is making it hard for a big number of Thais to back them, when it comes to laying down foreign policies, in the long run.

Just ignore the busybodies, not sure why Thais continually harp on this subject, and press on the your own brand of "diplomacy", roadmap(s), returning happiness to the people and returning things to "normal".

That'll work. Worked pretty well so far...

[NeverSure]

It's, therefore, unwise for the Americans to be blatantly taking sides. But Thai policy-makers of today and the future are in an unenviable position as well. By showing obvious partiality, the United States is making it hard for a big number of Thais to back them, when it comes to laying down foreign policies, in the long run.

Just ignore the busybodies, not sure why Thais continually harp on this subject, and press on the your own brand of "diplomacy", roadmap(s), returning happiness to the people and returning things to "normal".

You really don't get it, do you? The people of the USA are the #1 buyers of Thai fishery products. The EU is right in there. Major American media outlets are beginning to cover this slavery. At some point either the US government or the people of the US will ban the importing and purchasing of Thai products and not just fish. The US is the world's largest economy and has the world's 3rd largest population.

The people of the US will soon get a good whiff of this and boycott anything from Thailand, and well they should. End of.

Slavery and the Shrimp on Your Plate

Thai Seafood Is Contaminated by Human Trafficking

New York Times Editorial Board

"Shrimp and other seafood fishing is a big business in Thailand. The industry employs more than 650,000 people and annually produces more than $7 billion in exports that show up on dinner tables all over the world, including in the United States.

It also has a horrific dark side. Its reliance on slave labor is so pervasive and ugly that the State Department now lists Thailand as one of the worst violators among 188 countries judged every year on how they deal with human trafficking."

[Down the rabbit hole]

You may have missed that, but PM Prayut does what Thai people want. That's why others blame him for the frosty relations with Western countries.

Hmmm.

Not really. PM Prayut does what a minority of Thai people want. That;s why it was not an election but a treasonous coup.

That's why others blame him for the frosty relations with Western countries.

Not really, they blame him because he thinks he's a genius and can resolve all of Thai sels-generated problems.

The reality is he's just a grunt and not a very smart grunt. It'll be under the bus with Prayuth, the clock is ticking away.

[phoenixdoglover]

The editorial is incomprehensible, to the extent that the author does not seem to understand what diplomacy is all about.

Diplomacy is representing and promoting the interests of your own country, while influencing other countries to see your point of view, and using that agreement as a basis for mutual advantage.

The Thai problem right now is that the current government cannot make the reliable claim that it is representing and promoting the interests of Thailand as a whole. The current government is new, it lacks credibility, having been installed in a military coup, and it has failed to restore a representative government even according to its own timetable. Plus, there is the unfortunate weight of history; so many coups, so many failed governments.

The much touted opinion polls favoring the Junta are not convincing, especially because their reporting is so deficient. Instead, each poll becomes an object of derision. In most other respects, the voice of the people is severely curtailed, and the press is constrained. So there is no basis for asserting that Thai diplomats, pushing the interests of the Junta, are representing Thailand.

It doesn't take a rocket science to identify the actions Thailand could take to restore much better diplomatic relations. But it also is not obvious that the current government wants to take those steps if it means losing their grip on the levers of power. The ambivalence is palpable. So their diplomatic posture right now is seriously undercut by their chosen course of action; which has very little to do with international relations. Whining is one of the few remaining options.

There is a play going on in Thailand, with a darkened stage, a few key actors caught in the spotlight, and many other actors only dimly perceived. Act I is over. Act II is in an extended and undefined middle ground. We will all know Act III as soon as it starts. The ending hasn't been written. At this point, it's all improvisation.

Edited July 27, 2015 by phoenixdoglover

[retarius]

Blatant propaganda. I expected better from a Nation Editorial I didn't really as it's a right-wing rag.

[jerojero]

USA doesn't give a s**t about tiny Thailand. No oil, no imports, no military strategic importance. Lip service as USA does to dozens of minor countries, economically. Only interest is ensuring enough cooperation to allow US based private companies continued operation in Thailand such as Ford and Cargill.

Edited July 30, 2015 by jerojero

[LomSak27]

is that the so called democracy the country had was corrupt and needed a repair job;

"Lets reboot Thailand", How long ago was that .... and no one says it now. Just one of many justifications used for the protests, the judiciary coup, leading to the real one. No one I know actually believes it, no matter what side they supported back then. Good luck toenail with rethinking moral training in the country.

Post up if you find something, wont you

Many Thais are suspecting that Washington, in supporting one side of the conflict, has a hidden agenda, possibly involving business interests.

That's because the media here in Thailand have pumped that at message at them. It just has to be that doesn't it?? Any other interpretation is ignored, has to be ignored because then the body politic might experience moments of sobering reality versus the happy knowledge that we are right and everyone else is trying to screw us

4 day weekend YeeHaaa

[Red Queen]

Blatant propaganda. I expected better from a Nation Editorial I didn't really as it's a right-wing rag.

If you've never done business with the Nation, nor met Yoon, nor read anything that Thanong or Tulsathit have written, then you've missed a mind-expanding experience.

Brings a whole new meaning to the word 'weird'.

Edited July 30, 2015 by Red Queen